10 Best Cheap Quad Copters

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Quad copters are incredibly fun, combining the thrill of flying with the joy of taking photos and videos from above. To help you find the perfect quad copter we have researched 25 new products and picked the ten best affordable quad copters. Let’s get started!

How to Select a Great Quad Copter Drone

Quad copters come in all shapes and sizes, which begs the question: How do you know which product is right for you? To make it easy, here are the most important features to look for when shopping.

Flight Time

How long your drone will be able to stay airborne is a function of several factors, most importantly battery life. Make sure you choose a model that has enough flying time and buy some extra batteries.

Speed

Different drones will be capable of flying at different speeds, another factor to take into consideration when you are shopping for one. We have listed the respective top speeds for your convenience.

Range

The range is the distance the drone can travel before it loses connection with the remote control. Longer is better. So depending on how you plan to use the drone, keep an eye on this spec.

Camera

Not every flying drone will be camera-equipped. If you want the ability to take aerial photos and videos, though, make sure the drone you buy comes with a built-in camera.

Controller Type

While most drones will come with a dedicated controller, some can be controlled via your smartphone and tablet. Which one is better? Both are great, so this boils down to personal preference.

Return Home

Some drones come equipped with a return home feature that will automatically pilot the craft back to you if needed. It’s very useful when you lose sight and also just for general convenience.

Best Quad CoptersReviews and Buying Guide

All right, here’s the part you were waiting for (we appreciate your patience). All winning quad copters listed below are high-quality, affordable, and offer a fun flying experience. In short, they are all smart choices and you cannot go wrong with any of them. We recommend simply picking the drone that offers the features and price you are looking for.

Flight Time7 minutes

Speed32mph

Range164 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeNo

The SYMA X5C Explorers Quad Copter is a sleek and stylish flying machine. Equipped with a great HD camera and a 2GB memory card it lets you to record your mid-air adventures with high definition photos and videos. The drone is easy to fly and can perform aerial acrobatics with the push of a button. The excellent, six-axis gyro stabilization ensures very stable flying. The product also offers seven minutes of flying time with 100 minutes of charging time between flights, both great specs.

The SYMA X5C Explorers Quad Copter is one of the very best cheap drones we have seen. It offers everything that both beginners and advanced pilots look for in a well-designed and affordable package. We highly recommend it.

Flight Time25 minutes

Speed38mph

Range1000 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote + Phone

Return HomeYes

For a truly immersive overhead camera experience, the Parrot Bebop 2 Quad Copter mixes a wide fisheye lens with 1080p full-HD video. The result is fantastic, stabilized overhead images and videos. The drone can stay aloft for a jaw-dropping 25 minutes due to its powerful battery. The included sky controller connects to your phone or tablet for added touchscreen functionality and extended range. Experiencing a huge, 186-degree view of the horizon from high up in the air is truly magical. The Parrot Bebop 2 is designed to deliver exactly those moments again and again. It is an excellent choice.

Flight Time7 minutes

Speed25mph

Range164 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeNo

The Cheerwing SYMA FPV Quad Copter offers a "headless" flight system that allows it to be flown in any direction and then re-adjust, so you do not get turned around. This makes it easy for new users to get the feel of flying and progress quickly. The SYMA also sports an HD camera for stunning aerial photos and videos and it can do fun rolls and acrobatics at the push of a button.

The drone comes with a remote that supports Wi-Fi control via iOS or Android app, so you can stream photos and videos live to your device while you are flying. Simple, easy to use, and perfect for beginners, the Cheerwing SYMA FPV Quad Copter is a great choice for easy flying fun.

Flight Time8 minutes

Speed31mph

Range131 feet

CameraNo

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeNo

The Cheerson CX-10 Mini Quad Copter is a small, lightweight, and agile drone that will fly between six and eight minutes after only a twenty minute recharge time. It is very stable thanks to a six-axis gyroscope that's adjustable to different flying conditions. The included four-channel remote control is intuitive and easy to get the hang of it so that you will be flying in no time.

Made of durable ABS plastic, the drone is built to last and rated as quite durable by customers. It survived two crashes (both unintentional accidents, we promise). Fun, fast, and easy to fly, the Cheerson CX-10 Mini Quad Copter is one of those products that "just works." There’s a lot to like about this inexpensive drone.

Flight Time7 minutes

Speed44mph

Range328 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeNo

With collision protection of the blades and a built-in HD camera, the Akaso X5C Quad Copter is a great little flyer. Durably built, it can do 360-degree flips and much more right out of the box. The RC drone is controlled by a 2.4G frequency controller, designed to operate with less interference and better reliability.

Rugged propeller guards will help to protect the blades in the event of a hard landing. All in all, the Akaso X5C Quad Copter is an excellent choice that’s designed to last. It offers excellent flying and great peace of mind, especially for drone beginners.

Flight Time9 minutes

Speed22mph

Range328 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeYes

The UDI 818A HD+ Quad Copter offers a headless flight mode and a return home feature making it easy for your drone to both stay in the air and to find its way back to you. Operating on an interference-free 2.4G frequency, the drone comes complete with an HD camera for stunning photos and videos from the sky.

Six-axis gyroscopic stability is paired with strong wind resistance and maneuverability. The drone is small and lightweight, and the intuitive controls make it easy for virtually anyone to use. The UDI 818A HD+ Quad Copter is a great entry-level to advanced drone thanks to its ease of use, HD camera, and return home function. It offers a smart balance of high-end features and affordable price.

Flight Time7 minutes

Speed10mph

Range328 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeNo

Not only does the Hubsan X4 Quad Copter have an operating range of 328 feet, but it will also transmit live video to the controller from the same distance. The lightweight airframe offers incredible durability and gyro stabilization makes it easy to fly in different conditions, including on windier days.

You can record your videos directly onto an SD card, and the drone will remain aloft for up to seven minutes at a time before needing to be recharged. The Hubsan X4 Quad Copter delivers the goods, offering feature-packed value and an attractive price.

Flight Time9 minutes

Speed60mph

Range328 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeYes

The Holy Stone F181 RC Quad Copter is designed for any level of skill, from beginner to pro flyer. A headless flight mode allows you to fly it in any direction and stay responsive, easing the learning curve. The built-in auto-home feature allows the drone to return to its point of origin automatically if you want it to. This makes flying a lot easier and more fun, especially for quad copter beginners.

Perform aerial stunts with the continuous roll feature and watch the drone operate from up to 328 feet away. In short, the Holy Stone F181 RC Quad Copter convinces with versatility and ease of use for all experience levels.

Flight Time15 minutes

Speed15mph

Range328 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypeRemote

Return HomeNo

The Qcopter QC1 is an outstanding quad copter with a camera that offers up to 15 minutes of flying time - much longer than most comparable drones. The drone is very stable in flight and easy to operate. It comes equipped with LED running lights, so it is a breeze to spot in any conditions and even in low-light situations.

Fun and versatile, the built-in HD camera will ensure you take great shots from the air. All in all, the Qcopter QC1 is a fantastic little drone that will light up the sky with its brilliant LEDs and intuitive flight controls.

Flight Time28 minutes

Speed45mph

Range1000 feet

CameraYes

Controller TypePhone/Tablet

Return HomeYes

All right, we can't really call it cheap, but the DJI Phantom 4 Quad Copter is the best drone we have ever seen. Sure, it comes at a higher price than some competitors, but it is designed to offer pro-level flying fun that lasts for years. The Phantom 4 incorporates GPS technology that makes auto take-off, return home, pre-programmed flight paths, and much more possible. It is a truly smart drone, employing features other drones can only dream of.

Best of all, the Phantom 4 has an incredible 1,000 feet range and a very long, 28 minutes flight time. Get a few extra batteries, and you can roam the skies for hours. Moreover, you can enjoy a robust flight experience thanks to DJI’s intelligent Vision Positioning System that tells your drone where it is relative to you.

The Phantom also offers world-class video and photo specs. It is capable of shooting stunning, professional 4K video and can even sense and avoid obstacles automatically during flights. In short, if you are serious about drone flying and aerial photography and videos, the DJI Phantom 4 Quad Copter offers future-proof features, plus the best flying experience you can currently buy.

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